OF MARINAS

More and more children and young adults are taking to the water. Image: Jenna Foxton

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘marina’? Many of us will think of a specific place, perhaps our local port or our favourite harbour. Rows of boats tucked neatly side by side at their berths with the sea stretching away in the distance. You might even be able to hear the usual sounds of seagulls screeching overhead, or the rhythmic clinking of masts in the wind.

This image of marinas has barely changed over the last few decades, as marinas remain a purpose driven location – somewhere to safely moor boats. However, what has changed is what happens at the marina, such as initiatives that make getting afloat more accessible - events that give people the tools, advice and access to boating.

Here are just some of the ways in which marinas are changing to create a community and make boating more accessible.

Boaters without boats Boat ownership has been one of the biggest barriers to people enjoying being out on the water. Unless you know a friend or a family member who owns a boat, there are a limited number of avenues to boating without making your own purchase, which then comes with a host of associated costs and tasks that not all of us can commit to.

That is why many marinas are seeing rising popularity in boat share clubs. boatfolk has just launched a new subscription-based service, Beyonder. Bookable through an app, members can book advance stays on their ‘home boat’ throughout the season, as well as unlimited spontaneous bookings up to 48 hours before departure if the boat is available. As the fleet grows across the UK, the number of boaters without boats will expand and will provide even more people with the chance to enjoy the benefits of getting out on the water with family and friends.

Removing the need to own a boat in order to enjoy the water helps alleviate any concerns about ownership, whilst still benefitting from the community and getting the support needed to get afloat, including training, mentoring and friendly advice from fellow water lovers. This helps marinas become community centres rather than exclusive to boat owners.

The Lightship, at Haslar Marina, has recently re-opened. Image: Jenna Foxton

You do not need to own a boat to enjoy time afloat with your family. Image: Jenna Foxton

Novice boaters Another hurdle for people interested in boating is experience. With a lack of exposure and connections to the activity, it can be a hard world to break into. The joy of boating should not be limited to those of a specific background, instead it should be shared with all, especially the next generation. #boatgen is a not-for-profit initiative in partnership between boatfolk and The Andrew Simpson Foundation. Whether already water lovers or complete novices, #boatgen aims to provide children and young adults with on the water experiences in a safe environment, as well as advice and access to future pathways to continue enjoying time on the water. #boatgen runs free participation days throughout the year and across the UK, meaning location and background do not come into play when it comes to accessibility. The days are a great opportunity to learn new skills on the water. Young adults who would never have stepped foot in a marina get the opportunity to experience all they have to offer. Foodie boaters Boating is an experience driven passion that all boaters share. However marinas are also home to other experiences, such as on-site restaurants and bars, museums or other attractions. By offering a wider range of services, marinas can become lively hubs with visitors coming back for more and locals becoming regulars. While not everyone will be a boating enthusiast, they will still feel welcome and have a unique and enjoyable time.

The floating restaurant The Lightship, at Haslar Marina, has recently re-opened to Solent boaters and the local public. The bright green Lightship is one of the iconic sights of Portsmouth Harbour and provides friendly service, great food and fabulous views across the harbour.

Although visitors will still technically be on a boat The Lightship, which is open to all, is just one example of how marinas are becoming destinations for more than just boating.

Visit boatfolk.co.uk to find out more about Beyonder, boatgen and the other ways boatfolk plans to make boating and marinas more accessible.

Upcoming #boatgen days 18 Sept- ASC Portsmouth 25 Sept - ASC Portland 16 Oct - ASC Birmingham 30 Oct – ASC Reading